Eduard Khil, the Russian entertainer who enjoyed a recent resurgence of fame as the “Trololo” singer, died this weekend in St. Peterburg.
Khil’s newly famous I Am So Happy To Finally Be Back Home was originally recorded more than 40 years ago. But its nonsensical lyrics — put in to replace western-themed ones that displeased Soviet censors — made it perfect material for the 21st-century web. Khil was born Sept. 4, 1934, in Smolensk and suffered a stroke earlier this year. Here’s an extensive interview from 2010, at the height of his new fame.
Update: Here’s a tribute from Moscow RT.
Previously: Mr. Trololo is fighting for his life after stroke
Trololo guy watches fans imitate him on YouTube